Northwest Paddling Trails
Northwest Florida paddling trails offer a wide variety of options, from spring-fed gems to mighty rivers.
Northwest Paddling Trails Map
Perdido River
The Perdido River, a tea-colored waterway cradled by white sandbars, hugs the Alabama border. The 15.4-mile designated waterway has little development and is good for beginners who know how to steer.
Map of the Perdido River Paddling Trail
Five Trail Cluster
A cluster of designated paddling trails are within a few miles of each other: Coldwater Creek, Juniper Creek, Blackwater River, Yellow River and the Shoal River.
The spring-fed Coldwater Creek has some of the fastest water in Florida. The designated trail covers nearly 20 miles through the scenic Blackwater State Forest.
Coldwater Creek
The Juniper Creek Paddling Trail is an easy 6-mile trip, suitable for beginners. It has small bluffs and mountain laurel in bloom can be seen in spring. The Florida National Scenic Trail hugs the eastern shore, making for a hiking shuttle option.
Paddlers on Juniper Creek
Often golden in color against white sand, the Blackwater River is marked by high bluffs in sections and long sandbars suitable for picnicking. The designated paddling trail is 31 miles long. The upper reaches are more remote while the lower section in the state park can become congested on summer weekends and holidays.
Kayaker along Blackwater River bluff
The upper Yellow River can have swift current since its drains the state's highest elevation, while the lower river deepens and slows while passing through cypress and gum swamps. The designated paddling trail covers 54 miles, allowing for multi-day trip options.
Kayakers taking out along the lower Yellow River.
The gold-tinted Shoal River threads through high sandy hills and floodplain forest. Numerous sandbars along the 9.5-mile paddling trail make for ideal rest stops.
View of the Shoal River
Holmes Creek
Water clarity in Holmes Creek is often semi-transparent since several crystalline springs feed the river. The designated paddling trail is 34 miles long, following the creek until it merges into the Choctawhatchee River.
Cypress Springs along Holmes Creek
Map of Holmes Creek Paddling Trail
Choctawhatchee River
Paddling the 64-mile Choctawhatchee River Paddling Trail is a journey through the wild heart of Florida with little development.
Morrison Springs along the Choctawhatchee River is one of 33 first-magnitude springs found in Florida.
Map of Choctawhatchee River Blueway
Econfina Creek
Spring-fed and largely undeveloped, the 24-mile Econfina Creek Paddling Trail is a popular destination, especially in summer. Currently, due to damage from Hurricane Michael to the upper river, the section from the Econfina Creek Canoe Rentals to the County Road 388 Bridge is recommended.
Econfina Creek
Map of Econfina Creek
Chipola River
More than 60 springs feed the Chipola River, the largest number of any northwest Florida river. The main paddling trail below Florida Caverns State Park is 51 miles while the Upper Chipola River Paddling Trail is 4.5 miles long, although this section can have numerous logjams.
Large spring along the upper Chipola River.
The Look and Tremble shoals can add excitement to a Chipola River adventure.
Map of the Upper Chipola River Paddling Trail
Map of the Chipola River Paddling Trail
Merritt's Mill Pond
Merritt's Mill Pond near Marianna is no ordinary pond. Several deep springs are situated along the upper half, including Jackson Blue, a first-magnitude spring.
Paddlers over Shangri-la Spring on Merritt's Mill Pond.
Map of Merritt's Mill Pond
Apalachicola River Blueway
The Apalachicola River Blueway covers the entire 107-mile length of the Apalachicola River from Chattahoochee to Apalachicola Bay. Scenic bluffs, wildlife, and numerous sandbars at low to medium water levels can all be found along the river.
Rising 135 feet above the river, Alum Bluff along the Apalachicola Blueway is the largest geologic outcropping in the state of Florida.
Every October, the Apalachicola Riverkeeper sponsors "RiverTrek," a five day paddling trip on the entire river. This is the 2023 group.
Map of Apalachicola Blueway
Apalachicola River Paddling Trail System
The Apalachicola River Paddling Trail System consists of 11 different trails in the lower Apalachicola Basin. Some are along scenic tidal creeks and others are creeks canopied by cypress and tupelo gum trees with intriguing names such as Whiskey George and Thank You Ma'am Creek.
Paddling upper Whiskey George Creek
Paddling Graham Creek
Map of the Apalachicola River Paddling Trail System
